Key atmospheric terms Flashcards
What is incoming solar radiation?
The atmospheres main energy input from the Sun
How is the degree of reflection expressed?
As either a fraction (0 to 1) or a percentage
What is the degree of reflection referred to as?
The albedo of the surface
What is latent heat transfer?
The heat or energy that is absorbed or released during a change of state
What is an example of sensible heat transfer?
If relatively cold air moves in, energy may be taken from the surface - creating an energy loss.
What is convective transfer (sensible heat transfer) responsible for?
For removing energy from the surface and passing it to the air
What is long wave radiation?
Energy that is emitted by the surface and passes into the atmosphere.
What are the 2 long wave radiation streams?
- Incoming (from particles in the atmosphere)
- Outgoing (from the surface)
What is the difference between the two long wave radiation streams known as?
The net radiation balance
Why is there a loss of energy from the surface during the day, and on a cloudless night?
As the outgoing stream of long wave radiation is greater than the incoming one
Why do temperatures fall to lower levels at night?
As there are no clouds to return long wave radiation to the surface.
What is sensible heat transfer?
The movement of air, warm air moving to a given point will contribute energy and keep temperatures up.
What is sub-surface supply?
The heat transferred to the soil and bedrock during the day, which is released back to the surface at night.
What is a cloud inversion, and where does it form?
A cloud (temperature) inversion forms in valleys, where temperatures near the ground are lower than the air
When does mist occur?
When visibility is between 1000m and 5000m and relative humidity is over 93%
